FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Decide if You’re the Best Therapist for Me if This if My First Time?

It is important to find a therapist you feel connected to – someone you feel safe with sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings. I encourage you to ask questions and to have a sense of what you’re wanting from a therapist.

For example, do you want someone is process-oriented or solution focused? Do you want to focus on addressing symptoms or do you want to explore what may be underlying your symptoms? Do you like to be given tools and solutions or do you prefer a explorative approach? Do you want someone who is empathic, no-nonsense, or both? Questions like these can give you a better sense of what you want and what you want in a therapist.

How Do I Get Started?

I offer a free, brief phone consultations to answer questions you may have and to get an initial sense of fit before scheduling an intake session. At any point in treatment you feel like we are not a good fit, I invite you to discuss it with me. If we agree that we’re just not a good fit, I’d be happy to give your referrals to other providers.

What Should I Expect From Telehealth/Online Therapy?

We will meet through video call, which you can access through your computer, tablet, or phone. If we experience some technical difficulties, I have several back-up platforms for us to try. If all else fails (God forbid), we can always speak over phone.

Is Telehealth as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

Yes! I have been meeting my own therapist online as well! I was doubtful about telehealth therapy prior to the pandemic. With the lockdown I reluctantly started online therapy with my clients and have found the work to be just as fulfilling and connecting as it was in in-person. Of course, there are aspects of the dynamic that are missed when the entire body and person cannot be seen. This is why it’s important for us to dialogue about your experience in a way that is honest and genuine.

How Do I Know if Telehealth is Right for Me?

Telehealth can be a great fit for you if you:

  • Have a busy schedule that makes meeting in-person difficult.
  • Prefer doing therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
  • Difficulty leaving the house due to anxiety/trauma/distress.
  • Frequently travel.
  • Don’t want to be restricted by location to a find a therapist who is a good fit for you.

Telehealth is NOT a good fit for you if you:

  • Are suffer from high distress and struggle with frequent suicidal ideations or gestures. Someone who can see you in-person and have more direct contact with you would be a better fit.
  • Have absolutely no way of having privacy; it would probably be best to see a provider who sees you in-person where privacy is guaranteed.
  • Need access to a therapist frequently aside of the therapy session.

If I’m interested and I decide to reach out, what should I expect the process to look like?

Starting therapy can be intimidating. The prospect of delving into your pain or other vulnerable aspects of your life with a complete stranger can be a bit overwhelming. You may have have absolutely no idea on how to get started, which is most often times the most difficult part. Breaking down the process and knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety. Here is what starting therapy would look like with me:

    1. I typically start by scheduling a brief 15-20 minute phone consultation for us to get an initial feel for one another.
      • I will ask about what you’re wanting to work on and what you’re looking for in a therapist.
      • You will also have the opportunity to ask me questions.
      • From there, I will ask if you’d like to schedule an intake for us to further get a sense of fit or if you’d like some time to think about it or explore other options. There is NO PRESSURE to start if you are not ready.
    2. Once we schedule an intake, I’ll send over some documents for you to sign before the appointment. These can be accessed in your client portal.
    3. You’ll receive a link to the appointment via email or text reminders.
    4. On the day of the intake, I will go over some logistical items. I will be asking questions to get a more detailed picture of what you’re currently dealing with and to gather some background information. You will get a chance to get a feel for our interaction. I will ask you to pay attention to your gut to see if you feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I will check in with you at the end of session to see how you felt about the session
        • If you do not feel it is a right fit, let me know. I know that can put you in an uncomfortable situation, but I am a huge believer of fit because research shows that the most significant factor of change in therapy comes from the therapeutic relationship. I would be more than happy to provide you with referrals to someone who I think would be a better fit for you!
    5. If you are wanting to continue, we’ll schedule sessions from there. I typically let my clients start future sessions depending on what comes up for them. However, I am willing to help with the process on the days you’re struggling to pinpoint something in particular.